Sen. Elissa Slotkin delivered the Democratic response to Trump's address.
President Donald Trump addressed a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, six weeks into his historic return to the White House.
During the speech, Trump said "America is back" and defended the tariffs on key U.S. trading partners. He touched on immigration and the mineral deal with Ukraine, but neglected to go into detail on his economic plan. The speech was also met with protests and disruptions from Democrats.
Trump is reading from a list of what he alleges is "waste, fraud and abuse" identified by DOGE so far. He claimed millions were being spent on "making mice transgender" or for the "Arab Sesame Street" in the Middle East. Republicans either laughed or booed at some of the items he listed. Trump and Elon Musk have at times exaggerated or misrepresenting government programs.
Democrats are continuing to hold up signs that say “False” as Trump's speech carries on.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib has a white board that reads, “That’s a Lie”
Other signs saying "Musk Steals," "Save Medicaid," and "Protect Veterans" were organized by the Congressional Progressive Caucus, which is chaired by Congressman Greg Casar.
According to a source familiar with the group’s thinking, the goal of the signs was to prevent Trump from shifting the focus away from the key issues they think are breaking through to Americans: his and Musks’ theft of health care and benefits for veterans.
-- ABC News' Lauren Peller
Trump touted his executive order banning transgender athletes from women's sports.
Attending the speech was Peyton McNabb, who Trump said was a former high school athlete.
"But when her girls' volleyball match was invaded by a male, he smashed the ball so hard in Peyton's face, causing a traumatic brain injury, partially paralyzing her right side and ending her athletic career," Trump said.
“And later this week, I will also take historic action to dramatically expand production of critical minerals and rare earths here in the USA,” Trump said, though he did not mention any particular deal or plan.
